Being Chosen

Sheila and I sat in silence for a long time. It was she who finally broke and asked me about the heritage in the room. I had been walking around, studying the paintings. Very old, very worn, their edges had begun to show signs of aging. I was sure that the wallpaper had been discontinued in the 1800s, but with technology these days, I knew I could seriously be mistaken as well.

What interested me the most was the Babylonian Map hanging in the room. It was stitched tapestry rather than a painting, and it covered almost the entire wall.

It was also the one Sheila had asked me about.

“It's known as the Babylonian Map. It's actual name is the Imago Mundi, and it dates back to somewhere around 700 to 500 B.C. The original was found in Iraq, but I think the real painting is on display at a museum in London now.”

“Really? So, people knew about the continents before Magellan?”

“Sheila, you have to remember that after the fall of the Roman empire, a lot of technology was lost. Many cultures reverted back to what we would consider stone ages.”

She nodded, and reached up to touch the tapestry.

“I wouldn't do that,” we heard a voice say.

We both spun around, and the same woman was standing in the doorway that had shown the way to the refreshments earlier.

“I beg your pardon?” Sheila asked.

“Please do not touch the tapestry. It is very old, and the Countess has it placed in here for viewing only, not touching”

“I see,” Sheila said as she pulled her hand back.

“It's a glorious piece,” I said, shoving my hands into my pockets.

The lady nodded, and smiled. “It's her favorite piece, and I have seen worse happen over that tapestry. She protects it with everything she has.”

“Then why leave it in the open? Why not put it behind glass, or mounted somewhere so that it can be protected?”

The lady shrugged. “Not for me to say.” She then cleared her throat. “The Countess asks both of you to have a seat. She is on her way up. Can we get you anything? A wash room perhaps?”

I nodded for the wash, go ahead and get it out of the way. My sister did the same. We were led to opposite wash rooms, and the lady told us she would wait for us outside.

There was nothing fancy about the washroom. Simple urinals, a couple of stalls, a couple of sinks, but no mirrors. I found that part odd, but then I got to thinking and there were no mirrors in the smoking room either. Recounting the different walls and the paintings, I distinctly remembered no mirrors, nor were there any in the party room, or in the hallways as we came through.

I finished, washed my hands and stepped back out.

“You might need to make sure she didn't get lost in there,” I said, snickering. The lady didn't take to my amusement. I cleared my throat. “You have the advantage over me, I'm afraid.”

She looked up at me, confused.

“You know our names, but we do not know yours.” I stuck my hand out for a fair handshake.

“All in good time, sir, all in good time.”

My hand left hanging in the air, I slowly pulled it back. Sheila bounded from the bathroom, excited from her experience.

“Oh...my...God, Wyatt! You have got to see this bathroom!”

The lady began walking forward away from us, leading us back to the smoking room. “Later, sister, later.”

We stepped into the room behind her, and she stopped suddenly. She bowed in the direction of the couch, and stepped backwards, still bowed. One step, two steps, three and turn. She left the room, leaving us to the mercy of what lie before.

“Please, sit down. I know it has been quite the extraordinary night.”

I knew her in an instant. I knew that sultry voice without looking. I was enchanted by it, as much as Sheila had been earlier. I felt like I was drifting towards her, not sure how I got to my chair, but very aware I was now in one.

Sheila sat next to me, starry eyed once again. She couldn't speak. It was if this woman had placed us in immobilization chambers, biding her time with each thought before she uttered anything.

Again she spoke, “I am glad that you waited for me. I know that you have many questions.”

It was the first time I noticed her soft accent. It was subtle, but unmistakable.

“Let me tell you about this place. I have you both here on account that if one should stay, the other will as well. The choice is ultimately yours, of course, and you will not be held against your will.”

A woman appeared behind her with a tray. The Countess took a glass of champagne from the tray, and tipped her glass to us both. We both took a glass of champagne each, and tipped them back to her. We sipped and waited for what she had to say next.

“What you are sitting on is older than this entire building. These particular chairs, the chaise there in the corner, and this sofa, all come from England. The wine and champagne come directly from France, some of it aged over one hundred years.”

She took another sip of the champagne before she continued on.

“But I know that isn't what you want to know. Wyatt, you are a history teacher?”

I nodded no. “Archaeologist, ma'am. I do a few lectures a year around the country.”

“I see. I believe I heard you explaining the glorious map there to your sister.”

I nodded, “Yes. I was only explaining what it was.” My cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

“Ah yes, an explanation is always a good thing. And you, Sheila? A fine round house kick if I ever saw one!” The Countess laughed, “I do believe that man had no idea that you were waiting in the wings.”

Sheila returned the laugh. “Yes, I don't know what I was thinking either. Very unlady like of me, and for that, I apologize.”

“Oh my dear, you should never apologize for being in the right. Never, and don't ever do that in my presence for sure.”

Sheila set back in her chair, embarrassed. She thought she had done something wrong and refused to speak anymore.

“Well, I didn't mean to embarrass either of you. Come, let me show you what it is like to be, chosen.”

She got up off of the couch, and we followed her willingly. I was most interested in finding out what this chosen thing meant all the way around. My dear Sheila, she was just happy to be here, and I don't think she cared what it meant.

Either way, I was going to find out.